During this morning service we recite prayers that Jews have said for centuries and con-tinue to say at synagogues around the world. The main ideas throughout the service con-cern creation, revelation and redemption. At the center of the service is a reading from the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) and from the Prophets.
Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a life cycle event observed at the age of 13, celebrates the attainment of the “age of responsibility.” Our Bar/Bat Mitzvah takes on the responsibility of helping to lead the service, chanting from the Torah, and giving an interpretation of the Torah por-tion. This ritual dates back to the second century CE. As the Bar/Bat Mitzvah participates in this celebration and is blessed in the presence of the congregation, a new precious link is added to the chain of tradition joining the past and the future.
We are delighted that you can join us for this important event in the life of our Temple family. It is truly a special day that will be remembered all the more by the presence of family and friends. We encourage you to participate in the service by reading and singing along with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and our clergy.